Turner Homes, founded in 1933, is a unique retirement community situated in the heart of Turner, just southeast of Salem, Oregon. Its origins trace back to Cornelia Turner Davis, whose generous donation of land and funds made it possible to establish Turner Memorial Home. The original vision was to create a benevolent haven specifically for retired ministers and missionaries from Christian Churches and Churches of Christ—individuals who dedicated their lives to sharing and teaching the Word of God. This foundational commitment has continued through decades of growth and evolution, while the community’s essential mission remains steadfast: to provide affordable and compassionate housing to Christians in need of care during their retirement years.
Turner Homes operates as a non-profit corporation under the governance of a dedicated Board of Trustees and Advisors. This Board ensures that Turner Homes remains a resource for Christian congregations seeking to care for their retired members—particularly missionaries, pastors, and educators—giving precedence to those who have served faithfully. The administration of the community is mindful of the emotional and physical challenges that often accompany aging, such as fears of isolation, declining strength, and limited financial resources. Residents at Turner Homes are supported by a highly professional staff who prioritize both independence and well-being, fostering a community where seniors can thrive and feel secure in a beautiful, small-town country setting.
The care and housing provided at Turner Homes are shaped by an explicit Statement of Faith and Code of Conduct, reflecting a commitment to biblical principles. At the heart of this community is a deeply held belief in one God, Jesus Christ as the only Son and Savior, and the Holy Spirit’s role in a Christian’s life. The organization emphasizes the necessity of personal faith, repentance, and baptism, along with the transformative power of the Gospel. Turner Homes affirms the Bible as God’s inspired word and the ultimate authority guiding its faith and practice. In harmony with its mission, Turner Homes upholds the sacred value of life from conception to death, the intrinsic and immutable nature of each person’s biological gender, and the biblical definition of marriage as a lifelong, exclusive relationship between one man and one woman.
Through its leadership and guiding principles, Turner Homes provides not only practical support and dignified housing but also strives to meet the spiritual needs of its residents. The community remains dedicated to its original purpose, adapting its approach to support residents at every stage of retired life while holding firm to its values. Turner Homes is more than just a retirement facility; it is a compassionate, faith-driven community built to honor those who have spent their lives in Christian service, ensuring that their final years are filled with dignity, support, and a continued sense of purpose and belonging.
